The WORD in other words (2006) by Sister Tessa, SSpS – Manila
Thursday 27th Week in Ordinary Time
I came across an anecdote which goes this way.
Her little son was always getting into mischief and wouldn’t listen. Exasperated, Mother finally asked him. “How do you expect to get into heaven?”
The little boy thought it over and said, “I knew it, Mom! I’ll run in and out, and, in and out, and keep slamming the door until St. Peter says, ‘For heaven’s sake Dylan, come in or stay out!’”
From a young boy’s imagination and feelings, persistence in asking can change St. Peter’s decision. Jesus’ parable, persistence and not friendship moves a friend to get up and to give what the other needed.
Our earthly father/mother can sense our needs even before we express them. Their hearts melt with compassion and understanding the moment they hear us express verbally our needs. If they can’t provide what we ask for because of financial difficulties, it pains them so much even without us hearing a word from them.
Jesus presents to us His Father as one who knows and feels what we need – much, much more than our earthly father/ mother. He is a real Father who cares, who knows how to give good gifts to His children. More than that, Jesus wants us to realize that our Abba Father has that kind of a heart which is all-embracing.
Imagine Abba Father’s arms around you, feeling the warmth and coldness of your body, sensing the flow of your thoughts and every beat of your heart’s needs. He is moved by this silent dialogue, that He wants to give you His all – His very Spirit! If you and I have His Spirit, then we have everything! It is the Spirit who will teach us what Life is all about… show us how to truly live…share…beget is God’s very Spirit who will teach us how to love, how to give and receive love. Only the Spirit of Abba Father, the Spirit of Jesus can satisfy all our needs.
